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Gert J. Hilbelink, one of the oldest living settlers of Holland
Township, is a native of Alton, province of Guelderland, Holland,
born February 19, 1813. He is a son of Aretyan and Henrietta
(Hoopman) Hilbelink, who were natives of the same place. The mother
spent her life in the Fatherland, but the father emigrated to the
United States some five years later than his son, and located in the
town of Lima, where the remainder of his life was passed. He was
born in 1787, and died March 16, 1865. Of their family of six
children, but two survive, the subject of this article, and
Christine, who is the widow of Derk John.

Gert J. was reared in this native land, where he received a common-
school education, spending his time, when not in the school room, in
assisting on the farm. He remained at home aiding his parents until
his marriage, which important event occurred October 4, 1840, when he
wedded Gertyen Te Bokkel, a daughter of Avetjan and Jane Te Bokkel.
Mrs. Hilbelink was born in Lindlow, Guelderland, February 26, 1820.

Of this union fourteen children have been born, four being natives
of Holland, and the remainder of this country. All of the former are
deceased, and one of the latter. Of the surviving, Hendrika, born
March 15, 1849, became the wife of Arentje John Rensing, a farmer of
Newkirk, Iowa; Arentjen J., born November 15, 1850, operates his
father's farm; John W., born March 3, 1853, is a carpenter by trade,
and resides in Newkirk; Jane, born January 20, 1855, is the wife of
Derk Rose, of the same city; Grada G., born October 6, 1856, lives in
Milwaukee; Gert J. Jr., born February 25, 1858, is a carpenter of
that city; Hannah, born January 16, 1860, wedded John W. Rawlerdink,
a farmer of section 22, Holland Township; Gertie, born February 4,
1863, is the wife of Jacob Leenhouse, also a carpenter of Milwaukee;
and Aleida, born March 14, 1866, became Mrs. Gabe Ringoldus, of the
same place.

In August, Mr. Hilbelink, accompanied by his wife and family, sailed
from Rotterdam for the New World, landing some four weeks later at
Staten Island. Continuing the journey Westward, by way of Buffalo
and the Lakes, they arrived at Sheboygan. However, but one night was
spent there; the next day, making the trip with an ox team, they
proceeded to Holland Township, where they located on section 27, the
land now owned by G.J. Te Linderl. On this farm they lived about
nine years. The land was in its natural state, covered with a heavy
growth of timber, in which not a tree had been cut, and inhabited by
wolves, bears and deer. But few neighbors were about, though they
were plenty of Indians. These dusky people often called on this old
pioneer, and he in turn visited them. From this state of wildness,
Mr. and Mrs. Hilbelink have seen the country grow to its present
advanced stage. Changes that were then deemed impossible have been
made real by those who came from homes of comfort in the older
countries and States to aid in the development of the new, and to
found homes for themselves and their posterity. All honor is due to
the sturdy pioneers who brave the hardships and trials incident to
life on the frontier.

In 1850, Mr. Hilbelink bought forty acres of land on section 26,
where he now resides. This was also in timber, and he again took up
the work of clearing and making a farm. A log house was built, and
here his family grew into manhood and womanhood. Later he made an
additional purchase of forty acres adjoining the former, and on the
same section. However, he has disposed of some ten acres. Of this
he has made a good farm, and has erected thereon substantial
buildings, including a house, barns, and other needful structures.
Mr. Hilbelink has not only developed his own farm, but has aided in
the construction of roads and other improvements in his town.

In his political views, he has been identified with the Republican
party. He and his good wife are members of the Dutch Reformed Church
of America of Cedar Grove, in which they are pioneer members. While
Mr. and Mrs. Hilbelink have reached the ages, respectively, of eighty
and seventy-three years, they are still quite well preserved, both
physically and mentally, and may yet enjoy for several years the
fruit of former years of toil.